By -

Anthony Whealy KC is a name that will be familiar to many, both inside and outside the legal community. He served on the benches of the Supreme Court of NSW and the NSW Court of Appeal, just two of his distinguished appointments.

Whealy’s perspective on a range of legal matters is often quoted and the Law Society of NSW has confirmed he will be among those speaking at the Law Society’s Annual Conference in October. Whealy will be part of The Great Debate: When truth and curiosity meet (and fight about it).

Joined by the new Chief Magistrate of NSW, Judge Michael Allen, as well as journalist and author Kate Wild and fellow journalist and author Dan Box, the panelists will be asked about the relentless curiosity of journalists and whether this impedes the judiciary’s pursuit of the truth.

Trial experience

Whealy brings a wealth of insight into the operation of the justice system and was the trial judge in the case of Keli Lane, who was convicted of murdering her infant daughter.

Whealy is reported to have expressed “misgivings” about aspects of the Lane trial but said he accepted the verdict. He was commenting on Lane being denied parole under the state’s “no body, no parole” laws in March this year.

He told the ABC at the time, “What is the point of judges making the sentences if the legislation extends the time they spend in prison? Particularly in the case where the offender maintains their innocence.”

Public integrity interest

Whealy also has a special interest in integrity, having served as Assistant Commissioner to the ICAC. He is currently Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity.

When the proposed federal anti-corruption body was being debated, Anthony Whealy was among the country’s most vocal supporters of the idea. But he has been critical of the legislation used to set up the National Anti-Corruption Commission, especially the requirement of exceptional circumstances for public hearings.

Whealy has also served as Deputy Chair of the NSW Sentencing Council and Chaired the COAG Committee on Counter-Terrorism Laws. He remains a part-time Commissioner of the NSW Law Reform Commission and a Consultant to the Judicial Commission of NSW.

He is an Associate at 5 Wentworth Chambers, where he is described as a sought-after mediator. His areas of practice are listed as alternative dispute resolution (including mediation and arbitration), as well as commissions and inquiries.

The 2024 Annual Conference, Day One: The Curious Lawyer
Presented by the Law Society Journal

The team behind the award-winning Law Society Journal are delighted to present a day of thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, and insightful masterclasses.
Showcasing some of the brightest and boldest voices in the legal profession we ask, explore, and debate the biggest questions facing curious lawyers today.

Tickets are selling fast – secure your place today.